Hidden in plain sight

Noelle Khalila NicollsPrayer Book

Dear Steele: I had an amazing homecoming this go around. The pilot took a circuitous route to get to the airport when he flew into Nassau. I’m not sure if it was the typical route, because I am usually sleeping until moments before landing or not so concerned with the treasures unfolding below, but I am pretty sure I hadn’t …

I have a dead person in my bed

Noelle Khalila NicollsPrayer Book

Dear Mother/Father God: Before this I thought life and death were two different things. I was in the land of the living, so death didn’t really exist: perhaps for old people or sick people, but in those cases I always thought death wouldn’t sneak up on you, or make you change all of your plans. I hadn’t met unexpected death …

I’m trying to adjust, but I feel so undone

Noelle Khalila NicollsPrayer Book

Dear Steele, I’m just checking in with you. Your phone must be lost, because we don’t talk anymore. We’ve gone from regular hourly check-ins to complete isolation. Most people would think that sounds like a bit too much communication, but it didn’t seem intrusive to me. It wasn’t particularly purpose driven; it was more of a routine. Checking in with …

Memories seep through my veins*

Noelle Khalila NicollsSteele Chronicles

Dear Steele: This place is flooded with memories of you. Everywhere I turn memories float to the top and settle on the surface. Yesterday the police stopped Jahlani in a routine spot check. I remembered how your diplomacy skills always came into effect when we were pulled over by the police. You taught me a few tricks about slipping and …

The miracle of photosynthesis

Noelle Khalila NicollsPrayer Book

Dear Steele, I’ve been thinking about the language of God: creation. I wonder why we don’t say what a Godly person when we see an artist or a dancer, or some other creative person. You had such a respect for a artisans. When I think about someone like J. K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, or many …